Feel sick. Have I killed my road bike :(

Spooked

[url][/url]Hi guys,

Just managed to drop my old beater pub bike onto my road bike.

I know it’s tricky from pictures but I don’t know much about how carbon frames are made. Basically the end of the handle bars have hit the top tube.

I have given the area a good going over and everything feels solid and sounds the same when tapped.

Have I just taken the top coat off or have I killed it.

Had the bike a year or so but haven’t ridden it yet thanks to broken body parts (me) but I’m on my way back.

http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc371/Waller78/AB857CF4-F593-423D-8D44-A26EEA8EDCC9_zpszyrn7ldb.jpg

napoleond

Looks like it’s the paint but it’s impossible to tell if damage done the the carbon really.

Spooked

Thanks napoleon.

I have had a properly close look. Definitely the top layer and then in an area of about 5mm diameter right on the edge it looks like another layer has gone through.

Will get some epoxy and load it back up and see what happens.

Worse case it fails and I fall off. In the meantime I guess I best start saving

mr_mojo

A Composites company could do non destructive testing on it to check for a fracture if you’re really concerned. Worse case it would be repairable. If it’s just paint that could be repaired too.

Spooked

Thanks guys. Appreciate it. Absolutely gutted.

I’m thinking that if I use an epoxy to fill it and let it go off. Then start riding it on short easy rides and see how it goes. I can keep an eye on it for any cracking.

The joys of a carbon frame and being an idiot I guess.

Andymaxy

Ultrasonic scan or CT scan always with carbon frames, if you have the access. Another way to check for invisible crack is to spray some colored fluid on the frame, and see if that make any crack visible.

Orkneylad

No way I would trust that, especially if you're already recovering from broken body parts.
Send it to a specialist, or the anxiety will probably ruin every future ride.

cougie

I think it looks like a flake of paint rather than damage to the carbon from that picture.

Take it to a dealer for them to look at ?

flasher

These guys will be able to tell you.

https://carbonbikerepair.co.uk

frisbee

It looks like just a flake of paint, seal it with nail polish.

964cup

+1 for CBR. They've done several jobs for me and for others in my club. Unless the paint on your bike is very fragile, it would take a fairly big hit to do that kind of damage, and top-tubes are often very thin.

Bumo_b

I remember seeing a video of a new ultra lightweight carbon bike from Canyon, Merida or Specialized (don't quote me) where the top tube was almost flimsy and didn't need to be any stronger as the top tube didn't actually take much weight etc. That being said, it could relate just to that bike and the top tube on your bike could be integral to a robust frame.
I would a) contact the manufacturer to check the integrity requirements of the top tube b) send it for repair c)attempt to repair it and risk it, but I certainly wouldn't without a or b.
PS: I base option (a) on seeing one brief video on Youtube, so please dont just take it as a knowledgeable answer without treble checking

pippi_langsamer-2

If it's fractured, send it to one of the many composite companies that can fix it relatively cheaply. It'll come back good as new (resprayed). I utterly trashed the downtube of one of my Scotts and had it repaired for about £130.

If you try fix it yourself with epoxy, you're a twit

keef66

Can't see the pic but if it's as thin as the top tube on my CR1-SL it might be a problem

Spooked

Cool thanks all. I have sent some pics off to see if they can assess and give me a price for repair.

It is insured. Checked my insurance earlier but the excess is £200 so will probably have to suck this one up.

Thanks again for the input. Its appreciated, I thought it was going to be a complete write off to be honest.

pippi_langsamer-2

A few others:

http://www.fibre-lyte.co.uk/fl/fl_frame_repairs.html
http://www.targetcomposites.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/re_carb?lang=en

Monty Dog

Does it feel 'soft' in comparison the the rest of the tube? It can be repaired, just depends on whether you want it looking like new, or simply wearing it's battle-scars with pride?

Spooked

Well I sent a pic to CBR. To be honest I was expecting a yes it needs to be repaired or you will likely die kind of response but the opposite came back. They have asked for some more pics to be sure but they think it’s just the top coat that’s gone. They have asked more for more pics.

So basically they are wasting time on me to make sure my bike is ok despite not getting anything in return. Took me surprised to be honest. Rare these days and I’m really impressed by the honesty. Maybe I’m too old and cynical. Restores my faith in humanity.

It’s absolutely solid. I figured it was knackered so what the hell and attacked it with a screwdriver. No issues at all all though I did flake a bit of the top coat off with my attack.

It’s looking a bit more positive.

I broke my shoulder in a few places, collar bone and hand in an over the bar incident on a night ride. I don’t really want to repeat that. It’s taken over a year of physio to get my arm to raise above my head.

pippi_langsamer-2

Whether it's just superficial, or there's delamination, you can rest assured it's an easy fix and certainly no need to splurge on a new frame. Nice to hear some honest, unbiased diagnosis though

KM2

House insurance, accidental damage to personal property??? Up to £1500??? Worth looking into.

cougie

What was the outcome ?

ck101

Looks like paint that has flaked off, a good carbon repair shop will have a sophisticated paint system and will be able to get it close to 100%.

Spooked

cougie wrote:

What was the outcome ?

I got some epoxy resin. Filled it and have ridden it and so far so good.

I also bought a new steel frame and have built that up with campag.

Seemed like too good an opportunity to miss :twisted:

Thanks for everyones advice and input. Will see how it goes.